From Boardroom to Runway: Dubai-Based Filipina Designer Olga Barcelona Debuts at New York Fashion Week

Dubai/New York — September 2025: By day, Olga Barcelona heads operations for a global creative agency across Dubai, London, Saudi Arabia, and Monaco. By night and on weekends she transforms traditional textiles into couture. The Filipina designer is now poised to make her debut at New York Fashion Week under her label, House of Olga (HOO), fusing Filipino heritage with contemporary design.

Her Premiere Collection spotlights handwoven fabrics crafted by the Igorot weavers from the Cordillera region of Luzon. Made possible through a heartfelt connection discovered during the pandemic, the collaboration brings deeply meaningful indigenous artistry into the global fashion spotlight. “Their craftsmanship tells stories of resilience, identity, and heritage,” Olga explained, underscoring the collection's cultural importance.

Standout pieces include:

• Dahlia Kimono: Merges three Cordillera patterns, symbolizing harmony and heritage.

• Kay Reversible Jacket: Represents versatility and inner strength, wearable inside-out.

• Celine Bomber Jacket: A gender-inclusive design proving that traditional textiles can be modern and cool.

Balancing a leadership role at her agency with the creative demands of launching a fashion label is undeniably challenging, but Olga calls it “incredibly rewarding.” She credits her success to discipline, passion, and strong time-management skills all fueled by her dual identity as a business executive and designer.

With plans already underway to showcase House of Olga in Paris and Dubai, she hopes to bring her first collection full circle back to the city where she builds her creative and professional life.

Her debut at NYFW isn't just fashion it's a celebration of storytelling, cultural pride, and authentic representation. With her unique narrative and craftsmanship-centered approach, Olga Barcelona is reminding the world: great fashion is rooted in heritage, heart, and identity.